Whoever is capable of knowing when they have had enough will always be satisfied.

That which offers no resistance, overcomes the hardest substances.

The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance enters where there is no space. This shows the value of non-action. Teaching without words, performing without actions: that is the Master's way.

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools. He uses them only when he has no choice.

Filling all the way to the brim is not as good as halting in time.

Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.